Airmar PB200 Instruction Manual

Record the serial number found on the underside of the instrument.
Serial No._______________Date of Purchase_________________
17-461-01 rev.05 12/14/10
WeatherStation®Instrument
Model PB200
Owner’s Guide & Installation Instructions

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.

3
Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................. 4
Safety Instructions.................................................................... 5
Adding an External Speed-Through-Water Sensor.................. 6
Hardware, Tools & Materials................................................... 7
Choosing the Mounting Location............................................. 9
Installing................................................................................... 10
Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines................................. 13
Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display.................................... 14
Connecting to an NMEA 2000® Network............................... 16
Calibrating the Compass........................................................... 17
Software.................................................................................... 18
Maintenance..............................................................................18
Where to Purchase Parts........................................................... 19
Troubleshooting........................................................................ 19
Appendix A—How the WeatherStation® Instrument Works... 21
Appendix B—Technical Information....................................... 26
Acronyms & Glossary.............................................................. 28

4
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Airmar’s ultrasonic, WeatherStation Instrument. This
exciting product is actually six different sensors in a single unit—without any
moving parts. The compact housing is waterproof with a single removable cable.
Data is output in digital NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000® formats.
Functions
• Apparent wind speed
• Apparent wind direction
• Magnetic compass heading
• Air temperature
• Wind chill temperature
• Rate of Turn
• Angle of vessel pitch
• Angle of vessel roll
• Barometric pressure
• Global Positioning System (GPS) with WAAS and EGNOS
• Vessel speed over ground (SOG)
• Vessel course over ground (COG)
• True wind speed
• True wind direction
• Heading relative to true north
• True wind chill temperature
• True wind speed relative to water—requires speed-through-water input
Features
• Waterproof housing
• Waterproof cable system
• Fast response time
• Simultaneously outputs data in digital NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000® formats
• Stable and accurate data in dynamic conditions
• Can be programed to compensate for an installation that is not aligned to the
bow of the vessel and/or level
• Can be calibrated to compensate for magnetic deviation caused by ferrous
metals and other electro-magnetic fields
IMPORTANT: Please read the Owner’s Guide completely
before proceeding with the installation.

5
WARNING: Correct Installation Important
The WeatherStation Instrument must be installed and operated according to the
instructions in this owners guide. Failure to do so could result in poor product
performance, damage to the boat, and/or personal injury.
WARNING: Compass Safe Distance
The WeatherStation instrument must be a minimum of 0.3m (1') from other
standard and steering compasses. Failure to do so may result in poor product
performance, damage to the boat, and/or personal injury.
WARNING: Do Not Install Near Magnetic Field
Observe a safe distance from ferrous metals and anything that can create a magnetic
field to prevent interference to the magnetic compass. Failure to do so may result in
poor product performance, damage to the boat, and/or personal injury.
WARNING: Voltage
The power supply voltage must be 12 VDC. Any other voltage may damage the
product and/or result in fire, damage to the boat, and/or personal injury.
WARNING: Battery
Make power connections to a 12VDC power source that is isolated from the
engine start battery(s). Voltage drops may cause the compass to lose information
and/or change operating mode. This may result in fire, damage to the boat, and/
or personal injury.
WARNING: Fuse or Circuit Breaker
A safe installation requires a 0.5 amp fast-blow fuse or circuit breaker. Failure to
do so may damage the product and/or result in fire, damage to the boat, and/or
personal injury.
WARNING: Installation Safety
Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when installing to avoid personal injury.
WARNING: Calibrating the Compass
The internal compass must be calibrated on the water after the instrument is
installed. Failure to do so may result in inaccurate compass readings, possibly
contributing to damage to the boat and/or personal injury.
WARNING
Navigation Aid Only—The WeatherStation Instrument is
only an aid to navigation and should never be solely relied
upon. It is not a replacement for traditional navigation aids
and techniques. Only official government charts contain all
the information needed for safe navigation.

6
The Importance of Understanding True Wind Direction
When the WeatherStation Instrument is stationary, the direction from which the
wind is blowing is known as the true wind. The WeatherStation Instrument is
programed to measure the direction based upon the specific orientation of the
sensor. For the WeatherStation Instrument to accurately calculate the true
direction of the wind, it must be installed and oriented correctly. (To learn more
about true and apparent wind direction, see Appendix A.)
Adding an External Speed-through-Water Sensor
The WeatherStation Instrument can receive data from an external sensor when it
is connected through an optional NMEA 0183 Combiner or connected to an
NMEA 2000 network. An external speed sensor processes additional received
data and transmits it to the WeatherStation Instrument for use in true wind
calculations. In the case of NMEA 0183 protocol, simply connect the sensor to an
NMEA 0183 Combiner or other NMEA 0183 repeater hardware. The data
provided can be seen on displays connected to the Combiner. An NMEA 2000
speed sensor can be connected to an NMEA 2000 network.
NOTE: When an external speed sensor is connected to both an NMEA 0183
device and an NMEA 2000 network, the WeatherStation Instrument will use
NMEA 2000 data.
Speed-through-water sensor—An external speed sensor can be installed, such
as an Airmar Smart™ Sensor. Airmar recommends installing the DST800V to
receive water depth, boat speed, and water temperature data.

7
Cables & Converting/Connecting Hardware
The WeatherStation Instrument can be connected to a device and/or network in
several ways. You must have the correct cable and any needed converting/
connecting hardware before beginning the installation.
Sensor Cables
NOTE: Additional cable lengths are available.
• NMEA 0183 Cable 10m Part No. 33-862-02
• NMEA 2000® Cable 6m Part No. 33-1029-02
• NMEA 2000® Cable 10m Part No. 33-1029-06
Converting/Connecting Hardware
• NMEA 0183 to USB Data Converter Part No. 33-801-01
• NMEA 0183 Combiner Part No. 33-800-01
• NMEA 2000® CAN to USB Gateway Part No. 33-727-01
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Splitter 15m Part No. 33-641-02
• NMEA 0183 & NMEA 2000® Splitter 30m Part No. 33-641-03
Antenna Mount
Antenna mount with standard marine 1" -14 threads and pass-through for cable
(see Figure 1)
Hardware to install antenna mount
Extension tube (some installations)
Figure 1. Antenna mounts (not supplied)
Copyright © 2007 Airmar Technology Corp.
extension
with cable
pass-through
ratchet mountdeck mount
cable
passes
through
center
deck mount
of mount
cable
pass-
with extension tubecenter pass-through side pass-through
through

8
Additional Tools & Materials
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Pencil
Level
Electric drill
Drill bits
Phillips screwdrivers
Plumber’s tape (optional)
Grommets (some installations)
Cutting pliers (some installations)
Wire strippers (some installations)
Heat-shrink tubing (some installations)
Electrical tape (some installations)
Cable ties (some installations)
Where to Purchase Parts
Obtain parts from your instrument manufacturer or marine dealer.
Gemeco Tel: [phone]
(USA) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Airmar EMEA Tel: [phone]
(Europe, Middle East, Africa) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

9
Choosing the Mounting Location
For accurate readings and a reliable GPS signal, selecting the best location for
the WeatherStation Instrument is very important. Easy access and appearance
should be secondary considerations. Since each installation is unique, the best
separation distances from other equipment on the boat will vary depending on the
particular equipment and how it is configured. Choose a location that balances the
requirements below (see Figure 2).
• The instrument must be mounted in “clear air”—away from obstructions in any
direction that will interfere with air flowing through the unit. If there is an
obstruction, be sure to mount the WeatherStation Instrument at least 2m (6')
away. On land, avoid roof tops, chimneys, trees, etc.
• If possible, mount the instrument higher than any other object. Mount it a
minimum of 500mm (20") above the surrounding surfaces.
NOTE: The higher the WeatherStation Instrument is mounted, the less accurate
the pitch and roll readings will be.
• To prevent interference to the magnetic compass, mount the instrument 1.2m
(4') away from anything that may create a magnetic field such as: magnetized
material, electric motors, electronic equipment, power/ignition cables, and
batteries.
• Because the instrument has a GPS, it must be lower than any on-board
INMARSAT communications antenna.
• Because the instrument has a GPS, be sure it is as far as possible from high-
powered transmitting antennas to avoid mutual interference.
• Because the instrument has a GPS, check for any electromagnetic shading.
That is, any obstructions from other vessels or shoreline buildings that will
interfere with the GPS signals that the WeatherStation Instrument must receive.
Figure 2. Minimum distance from WeatherStation Instrument
Courtesy of Northstar BNT, Acton, MA
Min. 1m
Min. 1m

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Installing
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
CAUTION: The blue metal plate and the blue film found in the wind channel of the
WeatherStation Instrument are essential to its operation (see Figure 3). Be careful
not to scratch the plate, puncture the film, or damage them in any way.
CAUTION: Do not remove the waterproof connector(s) to ease cable routing. If
the cable must be cut and spliced, use Airmar’s splash-proof Junction Box
No. 33-035 and follow the instructions supplied. Removing the waterproof
connector(s) or cutting the cable, except when using a water-tight junction box,
will void the WeatherStation Instrument warranty.
CAUTION: The WeatherStation Instrument must be installed vertically—NOT
tilted to one side. If the WeatherStation Instrument is tilted from the horizontal
plane, it will introduce an error in the compass reading.
CAUTION: Be sure the alignment tabs on the WeatherStation Instrument point
forward toward the bow and parallel to the centerline of the boat. This is
necessary to accurately measure wind direction and vessel heading.
CAUTION: Do not tighten or align the WeatherStation Instrument by rotating the
upper cap (see Figure 3). Turning may sever internal connections and void the
warranty. Grasp the lower housing below the blue metal plate. Hand-tighten only.
Figure 3. Wind channel
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
blue metal plate
waterproof film
wind channel
upper cap
lower housing
serial number

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WARNING: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
1. Place the antenna mount at the selected location and mark the holes for the
screws (see Figure 1). Also, mark the hole in the center of the mount for the cable
to pass through. If you are using a ratchet mount, be sure you have purchased
an extension with a cable pass-through.
2. Position the antenna mount at a 90° angle to the waterline. If necessary, use
shims to make the mounting surface level (see Figure 4).
3. Drill the holes for the mounting screws and the cable exit if necessary. If the
cable is to be fed through the deck, install a high quality deck gland.
4. Using purchased screws, fasten the antenna mount in place.
5. Screw an extension tube onto the antenna mount if desired.
Figure 4. Installation
nut assembly
WeatherStation
extension tube
antenna mount
cable exit
alignment tabs
face forward
and parallel to
the keel (centerline)
of the vessel
wind channel
where air travels
through the sensor
(some installations)
(most installations)
Copyright © 2007 Airmar Technology Corp.

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6. With the nut assembly on the cable near the WeatherStation connector, thread
the cable through the extension tube (if used), antenna mount, and the cable
exit. Be sure to leave several inches of cable extending beyond the nut
assembly (see Figure 5).
CAUTION: If you use a thread lock, use plumber’s tape. Do not use a liquid thread
lock as it may weaken the plastic, causing it to swell and crack.
7. Screw the nut assembly onto the top of the antenna mount/extension tube.
Hand-tighten only. Do not over tighten.
8. Remove the caution label from the WeatherStation Instrument’s socket.
Remove the protective cover from the connector. (Save the cap to protect the
connector, when the WeatherStation Instrument is removed.) Plug the 9-pin
connector into the WeatherStation Instrument. The alignment key on the
connector fits into a notch in the base of the WeatherStation Instrument.
9. Grasp the lower housing of the WeatherStation Instrument below the blue metal
plate. Being sure the alignment tabs are facing forward and parallel to the keel
(centerline) of the boat, slide the captive nut upward and screw it onto the base
of the WeatherStation Instrument (see Figures 4 and 5). Hand-tighten only. Do
not over tighten. Be careful NOT to rotate the WeatherStation Instrument or
loosen the nut assembly from the antenna mount/extension tube. Double check
to be sure the alignment tabs are still facing forward.
Figure 5. Connecting
WeatherStation
nut
captive
nut
alignment
key
assembly
connector
Copyright © 2007 Airmar Technology Corp.

13
Cable Routing & Connecting Guidelines
Read the safety instructions below before going to the appropriate section for your
equipment.
CAUTION: To reduce electrical interference from other electrical wiring and any
on-board equipment with strong magnetic fields such as radar equipment, radio
transmitters, boat engines, generators, etc., separate the cables by at least 1m (3').
CAUTION: Do not remove the waterproof connector(s) to ease cable routing. If
the cable must be cut and spliced, use Airmar’s splash-proof Junction Box No.
33-035 and follow the instructions supplied. Removing the waterproof connector
or cutting the cable, except when using a water-tight junction box, will void the
instrument’s warranty.
CAUTION: Be careful not to tear the cable jackets when passing them through
bulkheads and other parts of the boat. Use grommets to prevent chaffing.
CAUTION: Use a multimeter to check the polarity and the connections to the
12VDC power supply before applying power to the instrument.
CAUTION: Coil any excess cable(s) and secure with cable ties to prevent
damage.
IMPORTANT: Make power connections to a 12 VDC power source that is isolated
from the engine start battery(s). Voltage drops may cause the instrument/
receiver/sensor to lose information and/or change operating mode.

14
Connecting to an NMEA 0183 Display
1. Route the sensor cable to the display. Do not fasten the cable in place at this
time.
2. Connect the WeatherStation Instrument to the display in one of two ways.
•Connector—If your sensor cable came with a connector on the display end,
and it can be plugged into the port on your NMEA 0183 display, do so now. Coil
any excess cable and secure it with cable ties to prevent damage. Fasten the
cable in place.
•No connector—If your sensor cable does not have a connector on the display
end, it must be hard wired. Refer to the owner’s manual that came with your
display and connect the colored wires as shown in the table below and Figure 6.
NOTE 1: The WeatherStation Instrument must be supplied with 12 VDC
(±3VDC) at 0.5 amp.
NOTE 2: If your display does not have NMEA 0183 output connections, the
yellow and orange wires are not needed and their ends should be taped
separately. (Alternatively, yellow and orange wires can be connected to an
external sensor.)
NOTE 3: The display power may be wired directly to the sensor cable, or it may
be wired separately.
No Connector—Wiring
1. Allowing an extra 25 cm (10") for wiring ease, cut the cable to length.
2. Strip 60mm (2-1/2") of the outer jacket and foil shielding from the cut end of the
cable.
3. Strip 10 mm (3/8") of conductor insulation from the end of each colored wire.
4. Protect the cable’s foil shielding from causing a short by using heat-shrink
tubing around the jacket where the wires emerge from the cable. The tubing
must overlap the wires a minimum of 6mm (1/4").
5. Connect the wires to the display (see Figure 6).
6. Fasten the cable in place.
WeatherStation
Function Sensor Cable Wire Color Display Function
NMEA input A/+ Yellow NMEA output A/+ (see Note 2)
NMEA input B/– Orange NMEA output B/–
NMEA output A/+ White NMEA input A/+
NMEA output B/– Blue NMEA input B/–
12 VDC + Red (see Note 1) 12 VDC + (see Note 3)
12 VDC –/ground Black 12 VDC –/ground
Shield Bare Shield

15
7. Your installation is complete. To begin receiving data, refer to the owner’s
manual that came with your display.
Figure 6. NMEA 0183 Sensor Cable
Copyright © 2007 Airmar Technology Corp.
WeatherStation
connector NMEA 0183 display

16
Connecting to an NMEA 2000®Network
CAUTION: Only two termination resistors are required on an NMEA 2000
network. More than two will degrade the bus performance.
Route the sensor cable to the NMEA 2000 network. Plug the NMEA 2000
connector into the network node (see Figure 7). Coil any excess cable and secure
with cable ties to prevent damage.
NOTE: Sensor cables longer than 6m (20') have a termination resistor built into
the sensor connector (see Figure 8).
sensor NMEA 2000
network
connector
connector
locator
Figure 7. NMEA 2000® Sensor Cable—6m (20') shown
Copyright © 2008, 2009 Airmar Technology Corp.
Figure 8. NMEA 2000® Sensor Cable—10m (33') shown
Copyright © 2009 Airmar Technology Corp.
sensor
connector NMEA 2000
network
connector
locator
120Ω

17
Calibrating the Compass
WARNING: The internal compass must be calibrated on the water after the
WeatherStation Instrument is installed. Failure to do so may result in inaccurate
compass readings, possibly contributing to damage to the boat and/or personal
injury.
CAUTION: Compass calibration needs to be done in calm seas in a 0.8 km (0.5
mile) open area away from other boats or ferrous objects (structures or aids to
navigation). Avoid congested areas and waters with strong currents as calibration
will be difficult and possibly hazardous.
IMPORTANT: Calibration requires the vessel to complete 2 to 3 circles.
The compass must be calibrated for maximum accuracy from the WeatherStation
Instrument. Calibration can be done in one of two ways.
• Calibrate the compass using the WeatherCaster™ software and a PC.
• Follow the AutoCalibration Procedure below.
AutoCalibration Procedure
1. Navigate the vessel to an open area of water, 0.8 km (0.5 mile) of open space
away from other boats or ferrous objects (structures or aids to navigation).
Choose calm seas.
2. Select the display page on the vessel’s NMEA instrument that shows Air
Temperature or both Air Temperature and Heading.
3. Shut OFF and then turn ON the DC power that is connected to the
WeatherStation Instrument.
4. Within 2 minutes of recycling power to the WeatherStation Instrument, start the
vessel in a slow [4 to 6 knots (4.5 to 7 MPH)] circular turn that takes about 2 to 3
minutes to complete.*
If the vessel completes 1.5 circles within 3 to 4.5 minutes, AutoCalibration will
begin. Air Temperature will jump to 0°C (32°F) and Heading will stop being
reported until the calibration is finished.
5. Keep turning the vessel in the same circle for 1 to 2 more complete circles.
Do not change the vessel speed or rate of turn through the circle.
6. When calibration is completed successfully, Heading will return to the display
and the correct Air Temperature will be displayed.
IMPORTANT: If calibration fails, the Air Temperature will be output as -10.0°C
(14° F) for 30 seconds. In the event of a calibration failure, repeat the
procedure.
* The optimum rate of turn is 180°/ minute: 3°/second, 30°/10 seconds, 45°/15
seconds, and 90°/30 seconds.

18
Software
Installing the Software
Follow the instructions in the WeatherCaster™ Software Guide.
Software Updates
Airmar may release updated versions of the firmware. The latest revision will be
available for download through an email to you, from Airmar’s website,
www.airmar.com, or a CD can be mailed by Airmar’s technical support personnel.
Maintenance
Since the WeatherStation Instrument has no moving parts, it requires minimal
maintenance.
CAUTION:Do not disassemble the sensor. Removing the screws from the
WeatherStation Instrument will damage the waterproof seal, thus voiding the
warranty.
CAUTION: Do not immerse in water or pressure wash. Doing so may allow water
to infiltrate the WeatherStation instrument, voiding the warranty.
CAUTION: The blue metal plate and the blue waterproof film found in the wind
channel of the WeatherStation Instrument are essential to its operation (see
Figure 9). The blue waterproof film protects the transducers, so be careful to keep
it intact. Do not to scratch the metal plate or damage it in any way.
CAUTION: Keep the wind channel free of SPIDER WEBS, insects, dirt, and other
debris.
Figure 9. Wind channel
Copyright © 2008 Airmar Technology Corp.
blue metal plate
waterproof film
wind channel

19
Where to Purchase Parts
Obtain parts from your marine dealer.
Gemeco Tel: [phone]
(USA) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Airmar EMEA Tel: [phone]
(Europe, Middle East, Africa) Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Troubleshooting
No Readings or Inaccurate Readings
• Is there power to the WeatherStation Instrument?
• Are all the connections tight?
• Is the cable-run free of kinks?
• Is the wiring correct?
• Are there any obstructions in the wind channel of the WeatherStation
Instrument?
Keep it free of spider webs, insects, dirt, and other debris. Be careful not to
puncture the blue waterproof film or scratch the blue plate.
• Is there ice on the WeatherStation Instrument?
No GPS Fix
• Does the WeatherStation Instrument have a clear view of the sky?
Wind Readings Are Too Low
• Is the WeatherStation Instrument mounted forward and low on the boat’s hardtop
in dead air?
Move the instrument farther back and higher (see Figure 10).
Copyright © 2007 Airmar Technology Corp.
Figure 10. Mounting location

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NMEA 0183 Combiner Problems
The LED light on the Combiner indicates its current operating mode and if an error
is detected during the self-test process. See the table below.
PC Problems
If you are uncertain of the communications port on your PC, follow the steps
below.
1. From the Start menu, select Control Panels.
2. Select the System option.
3. Select the Hardware tab.
4. Select Device Manager.
5. Select Ports.
6. Select Airmar NMEA 0183 – USB Converter.
The Converter is powered when it is connected to the USB port on the PC.
Color and
Flash Count
Mode and
Error Condition
Description of Mode and
Required User Action
Red
No flashing
Start-up mode
No error
Normal operation mode that should last for no
more than 1.5 seconds. Any longer indicates an
error with the program. No action required.
Red
No flashing
Flash Updating mode
No error
The LED will stay red for the duration of the flash
update operation. When the operation is
complete, the Combiner will automatically reset.
No action required.
Amber
No flashing
Initialize & Self-test mode
No error
Normal operation mode that follows the start-up
mode and should last for approximately 1 second.
No action required.
Green
No flashing
Normal & No Data mode
No error
Normal operation mode that follows the Initialize
& Self-test mode. Indicates that no error was
detected during self-test.
Also, no data is currently being received by the
Combiner. No action required.
Green
Flashing
(1–10 per sec.)
Normal & Data Receive
mode
No error
Normal operation mode that indicates data is
being received by the Combiner. The flash rate is
proportional to the Baud rate. No action required.
Amber
Flashing
(1 every 4 sec.)
Error Trap mode
EEPROM memory error
An error with the EEPROM memory has been
detected during the self-test mode.
Reset the Combiner by powering down, waiting
60 sec., then restarting the Combiner.